The Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) at Daemen University held a kick-off event on Friday, February 3, in the Wick Social Room, to begin the celebration of Black History Month, the nationwide annual observance that pays tribute to generations of African Americans. Featuring the theme “Resistance”, the CDI’s month-long celebration focuses on what the current fight for freedom means for Black and Brown individuals, specifically in the United States.
The kickoff event held on campus highlighted a history of Black resistance movements, including freedom movements that led the way to abolition and the continued fight for civil and human rights. The evening included dinner, creative performances by Daemen students, and overall fellowship within the university community. Students who performed shared personal stories through poetry that expressed their thoughts on revolution and restoration.
“The Black experience cannot be erased – we must intentionally remember the contributions that Black people have made toward the development of our nation,” explains Tiffany Hamilton, Chief Diversity Officer at Daemen. “The past, though it can be difficult to revisit, will always inform our present and future.”
Addition programming coming up during Black History Month at Daemen includes the presentation of the documentary, “The Black Panthers: Vanguards of the Revolution”; a wellness night with Yoga Me Blac; and a discussion panel with the National Pan-Hellenic Council on the impact of historically Black fraternities and sororities.
Events are open to all Daemen Community Members can be found by visiting the CDI Office or the program and events page of the CDI website.
Daemen University’s CDI is committed to building an inclusive campus community. The Center works collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, and administrators to cultivate a climate of awareness, understanding, respect, and inclusiveness for all individuals and groups. The Center designs and supports programs and initiatives that seek to ensure fair and equitable treatment for Daemen University’s diverse community.